CTD arrests six RAW facilitators, seizes explosives

Plan for terror attacks foiled in 'Operation Yalghar'

LAHORE:

The Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has arrested six suspected facilitators of India intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

Officials announced at a press conference on Wednesday that a major counterterrorism 'Operation Yalghar' had resulted in foiling a sophisticated terrorist plot targeting religious and civilian infrastructure.

Additional Inspector General Operations Shahzada Sultan, DIG Waqas Nazir and Senior Superintendent of Police Waqar Azeem briefed media representatives about the arrests and seizures made during coordinated raids across multiple districts in the province.

According to senior CTD officials, the operation uncovered a well-organised terrorist network allegedly supported and funded by India's premier external intelligence agency.

The arrests were made following months of surveillance and intelligence gathering that led the authorities to suspects operating in different regions.

In Toba Tek Singh district, CTD operatives seized a cache of explosive material, including detonators and detailed confidential maps of strategic locations. The maps reportedly contained markings of sensitive installations and potential target sites, suggesting planning for coordinated attacks.

The Bahawalpur CTD apprehended a suspected RAW facilitator who officials claim was receiving financial support channeled through foreign banking networks. The suspect, according to investigators, served as a key liaison between Indian handlers and local operatives.

In a parallel development in Bahawalnagar district, two suspects were detained on charges of procuring improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from India's Border Security Force (BSF). Officials alleged that the suspects had established direct communication channels with BSF personnel to acquire sophisticated explosive devices designed to cause maximum casualties.

During the extensive investigation process, the CTD claimed to have uncovered detailed plans for devastating terrorist attacks targeting a prominent mosque and busy railway station in Bahawalpur. The planned attacks, according to the officials, were designed to maximise civilian casualties and create widespread panic among the local population.